Rate My Professor Ken-ichiro Kamei

Ken-ichiro Kamei is a stem cell engineer and associate professor with a joint appointment in the Programs of Biology and Bioengineering at New York University Abu Dhabi, Divisions of Science and Engineering. He also serves as Global Network Associate Professor of Biology in the Faculty of Arts and Science at NYU and Global Network Professor of Biomedical Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Kamei leads the Reverse Bioengineering Laboratory, where his research pioneers the reconstruction of complete human and animal body systems through advanced stem cell engineering, nano/microengineering, and bioinformatics. His ambitious goal is to develop 'Body on a Chip' (BoC) devices that replicate physiological and pathological conditions of living systems in vitro, integrating stem cell biology, chemical biology, physics, micro/nanotechnology, and materials science. This interdisciplinary approach advances regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and personalized healthcare for humans, as well as conservation efforts for endangered animals via international collaborations.

Kamei earned his PhD from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 2003, following BA and MS degrees obtained in 1998 and 2000, respectively. His career trajectory includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a staff research associate position at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA. He progressed from assistant professor to associate professor at the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University. Notable publications include 'Integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform as an in vitro human translational model to evaluate pharmacokinetic interactions' (Communications Biology, 2023), 'Three-Dimensional Nanostructured Substrates toward Efficient Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells' (Small, 2009), 'Primed human pluripotent stem cell-derived blastocyst-like cell aggregates with partial lineage specification' (Regenerative Therapy, 2025), and 'High-Purity Production of Endothelial Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells' (Cell Therapy & Engineering Connect). Kamei serves as Editor-in-Chief of Cell Therapy & Engineering Connect, organizes conferences such as the 1st MENA Conference on Living Therapeutics, and delivers keynote addresses, including at the 4th UAE Anatomy & Cellular Biology Conference in 2025. His work significantly influences bioengineering, stem cell research, and organs-on-chips technologies.